New York City BalletWhat: The New York City Ballet’s Fall Gala will feature three world premieres and in a new twist, original costumes designed by some of fashion’s most innovative talents, among them Prabal Gurung, Olivier Theyskens, and Dutch designer Iris van Herpen. Choreographers include Benjamin Millepied, Justin Peck, and Angelin Preljocaj.When: Thursday, September 19Where: David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln CenterContact:nycballet.com

Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYCWhat: The ninth annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC Race for the Kids, part of Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play, is an opportunity to raise awareness and generate funds for BBBS programs, which offer one-on-one mentoring relationships for children in need. In the past, the race and picnic have raised more than $2 million and attracted more than 4,000 participants.When: Saturday, September 21Where: Prospect Park, BrooklynContact: bigsnyc.org

New Yorkers for ChildrenWhat: The 14th annual New Yorkers For Children Fall Gala will celebrate NYFC founder Nicholas Scoppetta for his commitment and dedication to children in foster care throughout New York City. Under his leadership, NYFC has distributed more than $50 million to children in need over the past 17 years.When: Tuesday, September 17Where: Cipriani 42nd Street, 110 East 42nd StreetContact: newyorkersforchildren.org

Asia InitiativesWhat: This year’s Asia Initiatives Gala will benefit projects to empower women in South Asia. The evening will include dinner, a live auction, and entertainment. South Asian and festive attire are recommended.When: Monday, October 14Where: Starrett-Lehigh Building, 601 West 26th StreetContact: asiainitiatives.org

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE SKARRATT

Charity Register: Summer 2013

Seven opportunities to give back this season.

June 28, 2013

The Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament supports pro golf instruction for children and teens.

Lincoln Center
What: Proceeds from the Midsummer Night Swing, this year celebrating its 25th anniversary, will benefit Lincoln Center’s art education efforts and community outreach.When: Tuesday, June 25 to Saturday, July 13Where: Damrosch Park, AmsterdamContact: midsummernightswing.org

The Michael J. Fox FoundationWhat: Team Fox for Parkinson’s Research is hosting their sixth annual softball game to raise money to help find a cure for Parkinson’s and help those afflicted by the disease; the organization is aiming to raise $250,000 this year.When: Saturday, July 13Where: Central Park Heckscher BallfieldsContact:michaeljfox.org

The Feinstein Institute for Medical ResearchWhat: The eighth annual Summer Concert for The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research benefits the research arm of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. The Institute funds studies for cancer, autoimmune disorders, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases. Grammy-award-winning vocalist Kelly Clarkson will perform.When: Wednesday, July 17Where: Planting Fields Arboretum, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster BayContact: feinsteininstitute.org

Soledad O’Brien and Brad Raymond FoundationWhat: New Orleans to New York, the third annual gala presented by the Soledad O’Brien and Brad Raymond Foundation, will raise funds to help young women pursue higher education with scholarships, mentorship, and other programs.When: Thursday, July 25Where: Urban Zen, 705 Greenwich StreetContact: obrienraymondfoundation.com

City Parks FoundationWhat: Each year, Mayor Michael Bloomberg hosts the Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament to raise money for CityParks Golf, which provides pro-golf instruction to more than 3,500 children and teens throughout New York City. Attendees will have breakfast with the mayor, then play a round of golf. A cocktail party and awards ceremony follows the game.When: Friday, July 26Where: Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses, BronxContact: cityparksfoundation.org

Laurie Harris Hope and Dreams 5kWhat: The New York Flyers, a running club, pays homage to member Laurie Harris, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two years ago. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.When: Saturday, August 10Where: Roosevelt IslandContact: nyflyers.org

National Junior Tennis and Learning NetworkWhat: The NJTL’s mission is to help underprivileged youngsters gain the life skills they need for success through tennis and education programs. Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, in conjunction with the US Open, will include tennis matches and other games and is capped off by a concert.When: Saturday, August 24Where: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing, QueensContact:arthurashekidsday.com

Municipal Art Society Fêtes 100 Years

Over $1,100,000 was raised at the organization's annual gala.

The Municipal Art Society held its annual gala on June 13, 2013, to celebrate its centennial year. Vin Cipolla, president of the Society, said the event raised more than $1.1 million to support the organization in its mission to advocate for urban planning, preservation, and design in New York City. Former President Bill Clinton served as the event’s honorary chair and Caroline Kennedy as the honorary cochair. The evening’s highlight was the presentation of The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal, MAS’s highest honor, to Dr. Judith Rodin, president, and David Rockefeller Jr., board chair of The Rockefeller Foundation, for its outstanding contributions to New York City, and in recognition of his organization’s global and local support of environmental, health, economic, and urban issues.

Photography by Angela Jimenez Photography

Celine McDonald, Julio Peterson, Michelle Peterson, and Vin Cipolla

The Municipal Art Society held its annual gala on June 13, 2013, to celebrate its centennial year. Vin Cipolla, president of the Society, said the event raised more than $1.1 million to support the organization in its mission to advocate for urban planning, preservation, and design in New York City. Former President Bill Clinton served as the event’s honorary chair and Caroline Kennedy as the honorary cochair. The evening’s highlight was the presentation of The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal, MAS’s highest honor, to Dr. Judith Rodin, president, and David Rockefeller Jr., board chair of The Rockefeller Foundation, for its outstanding contributions to New York City, and in recognition of his organization’s global and local support of environmental, health, economic, and urban issues.

Photography by Angela Jimenez Photography

Shaun Donovan and Eugenie Birch

The Municipal Art Society held its annual gala on June 13, 2013, to celebrate its centennial year. Vin Cipolla, president of the Society, said the event raised more than $1.1 million to support the organization in its mission to advocate for urban planning, preservation, and design in New York City. Former President Bill Clinton served as the event’s honorary chair and Caroline Kennedy as the honorary cochair. The evening’s highlight was the presentation of The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal, MAS’s highest honor, to Dr. Judith Rodin, president, and David Rockefeller Jr., board chair of The Rockefeller Foundation, for its outstanding contributions to New York City, and in recognition of his organization’s global and local support of environmental, health, economic, and urban issues.

Photography by Angela Jimenez Photography

Frank Sanchis, Michelle Peterson, and Julio Peterson

The Municipal Art Society held its annual gala on June 13, 2013, to celebrate its centennial year. Vin Cipolla, president of the Society, said the event raised more than $1.1 million to support the organization in its mission to advocate for urban planning, preservation, and design in New York City. Former President Bill Clinton served as the event’s honorary chair and Caroline Kennedy as the honorary cochair. The evening’s highlight was the presentation of The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal, MAS’s highest honor, to Dr. Judith Rodin, president, and David Rockefeller Jr., board chair of The Rockefeller Foundation, for its outstanding contributions to New York City, and in recognition of his organization’s global and local support of environmental, health, economic, and urban issues.

Photography by Angela Jimenez Photography

Shaun Donovan and Dr. Judith Rodin

The Municipal Art Society held its annual gala on June 13, 2013, to celebrate its centennial year. Vin Cipolla, president of the Society, said the event raised more than $1.1 million to support the organization in its mission to advocate for urban planning, preservation, and design in New York City. Former President Bill Clinton served as the event’s honorary chair and Caroline Kennedy as the honorary cochair. The evening’s highlight was the presentation of The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal, MAS’s highest honor, to Dr. Judith Rodin, president, and David Rockefeller Jr., board chair of The Rockefeller Foundation, for its outstanding contributions to New York City, and in recognition of his organization’s global and local support of environmental, health, economic, and urban issues.

The Municipal Art Society held its annual gala on June 13, 2013, to celebrate its centennial year. Vin Cipolla, president of the Society, said the event raised more than $1.1 million to support the organization in its mission to advocate for urban planning, preservation, and design in New York City. Former President Bill Clinton served as the event’s honorary chair and Caroline Kennedy as the honorary cochair. The evening’s highlight was the presentation of The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal, MAS’s highest honor, to Dr. Judith Rodin, president, and David Rockefeller Jr., board chair of The Rockefeller Foundation, for its outstanding contributions to New York City, and in recognition of his organization’s global and local support of environmental, health, economic, and urban issues.

Photography by Angela Jimenez Photography

David Rockefeller Jr., Susan Rockefeller, and Vin Cipolla

The Municipal Art Society held its annual gala on June 13, 2013, to celebrate its centennial year. Vin Cipolla, president of the Society, said the event raised more than $1.1 million to support the organization in its mission to advocate for urban planning, preservation, and design in New York City. Former President Bill Clinton served as the event’s honorary chair and Caroline Kennedy as the honorary cochair. The evening’s highlight was the presentation of The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal, MAS’s highest honor, to Dr. Judith Rodin, president, and David Rockefeller Jr., board chair of The Rockefeller Foundation, for its outstanding contributions to New York City, and in recognition of his organization’s global and local support of environmental, health, economic, and urban issues.

Photography by Angela Jimenez Photography

Ariana Rockefeller and Matthew Bucklin

The Municipal Art Society held its annual gala on June 13, 2013, to celebrate its centennial year. Vin Cipolla, president of the Society, said the event raised more than $1.1 million to support the organization in its mission to advocate for urban planning, preservation, and design in New York City. Former President Bill Clinton served as the event’s honorary chair and Caroline Kennedy as the honorary cochair. The evening’s highlight was the presentation of The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal, MAS’s highest honor, to Dr. Judith Rodin, president, and David Rockefeller Jr., board chair of The Rockefeller Foundation, for its outstanding contributions to New York City, and in recognition of his organization’s global and local support of environmental, health, economic, and urban issues.

The Municipal Art Society held its annual gala on June 13, 2013, to celebrate its centennial year. Vin Cipolla, president of the Society, said the event raised more than $1.1 million to support the organization in its mission to advocate for urban planning, preservation, and design in New York City. Former President Bill Clinton served as the event’s honorary chair and Caroline Kennedy as the honorary cochair. The evening’s highlight was the presentation of The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal, MAS’s highest honor, to Dr. Judith Rodin, president, and David Rockefeller Jr., board chair of The Rockefeller Foundation, for its outstanding contributions to New York City, and in recognition of his organization’s global and local support of environmental, health, economic, and urban issues.

Photography by Angela Jimenez Photography

Shaun Donovan and Dr. Judith Rodin

The Municipal Art Society held its annual gala on June 13, 2013, to celebrate its centennial year. Vin Cipolla, president of the Society, said the event raised more than $1.1 million to support the organization in its mission to advocate for urban planning, preservation, and design in New York City. Former President Bill Clinton served as the event’s honorary chair and Caroline Kennedy as the honorary cochair. The evening’s highlight was the presentation of The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal, MAS’s highest honor, to Dr. Judith Rodin, president, and David Rockefeller Jr., board chair of The Rockefeller Foundation, for its outstanding contributions to New York City, and in recognition of his organization’s global and local support of environmental, health, economic, and urban issues.

The Municipal Art Society held its annual gala on June 13th to celebrate its centennial year. Vin Cipolla, president of the Society, said the event raised over $1,100,000 to support the organization in its mission to advocate for urban planning, preservation, and design in New York City.

President Bill Clinton served as the evening’s honorary chair and Caroline Kennedy served as the honorary co-chair. Among the gala's highlights was the presentation of The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal, MAS’s highest honor, to Dr. Judith Rodin, president, and David Rockefeller, Jr., board chair, of The Rockefeller Foundation, for its outstanding contributions to New York City, and in recognition of its global and local support of environmental, health, economic, and urban issues.

The medal, launched in 1950, was renamed in 1994 to commemorate Mrs. Onassis’s efforts to champion and preserve New York’s great architectural treasures. “It is fitting,” said Mr. Cipolla, “that we celebrate and honor the Foundation’s centennial year in Grand Central Terminal—one of the world’s greatest public spaces.” Cipolla also noted that this revered New York Landmark was saved from destruction as a result of the combined efforts of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, MAS, and others. Previous recipients of MAS’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal include philanthropists Peter G. Peterson and Joan Ganz Cooney, Agnes Gund, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman, Brendan Gill, fashion icon and urban advocate Diane von Furstenberg, and architects I. M. Pei, James Stewart Polshek, and Robert A.M. Stern.

BY CATHERINE SABINO

2013 Bidawee Ball and Anniversary Party

With host Georgina Bloomberg, Bideawee celebrated its 110th anniversary at the 2013 Bideawee Ball on June 17, 2013. Bideawee, one of the nation's leading pet welfare and adoption organizations, kicked off its anniversary with live music, dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions. The event had many guests from the social, celebrity and business communities, as well their canine companions, and raised more than $300,000 for the organization.

Photography by Donald Bowers/Getty Images

Georgina Bloomberg

With host Georgina Bloomberg, Bideawee celebrated its 110th anniversary at the 2013 Bideawee Ball on June 17, 2013. Bideawee, one of the nation's leading pet welfare and adoption organizations, kicked off its anniversary with live music, dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions. The event had many guests from the social, celebrity and business communities, as well their canine companions, and raised more than $300,000 for the organization.

Photography by Donald Bowers/Getty Images

Beth Stern and Georgina Bloomberg

With host Georgina Bloomberg, Bideawee celebrated its 110th anniversary at the 2013 Bideawee Ball on June 17, 2013. Bideawee, one of the nation's leading pet welfare and adoption organizations, kicked off its anniversary with live music, dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions. The event had many guests from the social, celebrity and business communities, as well their canine companions, and raised more than $300,000 for the organization.

Photography by Donald Bowers/Getty Images

Jacque Reid, Nancy Taylor, and Sara Gore

With host Georgina Bloomberg, Bideawee celebrated its 110th anniversary at the 2013 Bideawee Ball on June 17, 2013. Bideawee, one of the nation's leading pet welfare and adoption organizations, kicked off its anniversary with live music, dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions. The event had many guests from the social, celebrity and business communities, as well their canine companions, and raised more than $300,000 for the organization.

Photography by Donald Bowers/Getty Images

Karen Biehl and Jorge Benderzky

With host Georgina Bloomberg, Bideawee celebrated its 110th anniversary at the 2013 Bideawee Ball on June 17, 2013. Bideawee, one of the nation's leading pet welfare and adoption organizations, kicked off its anniversary with live music, dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions. The event had many guests from the social, celebrity and business communities, as well their canine companions, and raised more than $300,000 for the organization.

Photography by Donald Bowers/Getty Images

Thomas Dutton and Lonnie Angle

With host Georgina Bloomberg, Bideawee celebrated its 110th anniversary at the 2013 Bideawee Ball on June 17, 2013. Bideawee, one of the nation's leading pet welfare and adoption organizations, kicked off its anniversary with live music, dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions. The event had many guests from the social, celebrity and business communities, as well their canine companions, and raised more than $300,000 for the organization.

Last week, as New York was buzzing over Prince Harry's polo match in Greenwich, Connecticut, Cannes was snagging big headlines. On Thursday, May 16, Euphoria Calvin Klein hosted a Women in Film fête at L’Écrin, an open-walled venue on the water. Carey Mulligan wore Calvin Klein collection, natch. Rooney Mara wore a nude tone gown. “One of the only colors I’ll wear,” she noted. And Nicole Kidman had her arm around Calvin Klein women’s collection designer Francisco Costa. Also spotted: Dasha Zhukova and Olympia Scarry.

On Saturday, CoverGirl sponsored a lavish (think chocolate fountains and rose-covered chandeliers) The Hunger Games: Catching Fire fête at Baoli Beach. Jennifer Lawrence wore an off the shoulder number from Dior. “Traffic is pretty intense,” Lawrence said of Cannes. “It made me feel right at home, just like L.A.” Sam Claflin, her co-star, however, indicated that it was “a bit like England . . . very rainy and wet . . . it’s mahem!”

On Sunday, it was a climb up steep planks to a Swiss yacht at Slip N28, Jetée Albert-Edouard, where The Art of Elysium threw a party hosted by Rabbit Bandini and Leon Max in honor of Ahna O’Reilly, who had starred in both James Franco’s As I Lay Dying and Fruitvale Station at Cannes. Blame the wind, but a hirsute Franco sported a fauxhawk.

And on Monday, Goga Ashkenazi and Le Baron hosted a secret bash at the tony 18th century Chateau de Garibondy, a petite palace with a sprawling lawn and turrets. Goga wore Vionnet Resort. Also partying: Rosario Dawson, Korean pop star PSY, and Toni Garrn in Vionnet spring-summer.

Clos du Bois Bash at Frying Pan

Penn Badgley and Katrina Bowden joined in the Chardonnay-soaked summer soirée.

Last night, with Penn Badgley hanging out near a wine-spiked Kelvin Slush station and Katrina Bowden trying her hand at corn hole, Clos du Bois rang in the sunset aboard the Frying Pan for its Chardonnay Day bash. Newly married to beau Ben Jorgensen, Bowden was in especially good spirits, sitting with sunglass-clad friends and clinking glasses of cool Chardonnay. Other guests, meanwhile, took in the sounds of Brooklyn's own Swear and Shake band while pairing generous helpings of passed bites (barbecue ribs, sliders, chicken satay skewers) with three different Clos du Bois Chardonnays. And the brand's winemaker, Garry Sitton, was also on hand, should anyone want to talk tasting notes.

photography by Getty Images

Penn Badgley

Last night, with Penn Badgley hanging out near a wine-spiked Kelvin Slush station and Katrina Bowden trying her hand at corn hole, Clos du Bois rang in the sunset aboard the Frying Pan for its Chardonnay Day bash. Newly married to beau Ben Jorgensen, Bowden was in especially good spirits, sitting with sunglass-clad friends and clinking glasses of cool Chardonnay. Other guests, meanwhile, took in the sounds of Brooklyn's own Swear and Shake band while pairing generous helpings of passed bites (barbecue ribs, sliders, chicken satay skewers) with three different Clos du Bois Chardonnays. And the brand's winemaker, Garry Sitton, was also on hand, should anyone want to talk tasting notes.

photography by Getty Images

The crowd at the Clos du Bois Chardonnay Day bash at Frying Pan

Last night, with Penn Badgley hanging out near a wine-spiked Kelvin Slush station and Katrina Bowden trying her hand at corn hole, Clos du Bois rang in the sunset aboard the Frying Pan for its Chardonnay Day bash. Newly married to beau Ben Jorgensen, Bowden was in especially good spirits, sitting with sunglass-clad friends and clinking glasses of cool Chardonnay. Other guests, meanwhile, took in the sounds of Brooklyn's own Swear and Shake band while pairing generous helpings of passed bites (barbecue ribs, sliders, chicken satay skewers) with three different Clos du Bois Chardonnays. And the brand's winemaker, Garry Sitton, was also on hand, should anyone want to talk tasting notes.

photography by Getty Images

Chardonnay-infused slushies by Kelvin Slush Truck

Last night, with Penn Badgley hanging out near a wine-spiked Kelvin Slush station and Katrina Bowden trying her hand at corn hole, Clos du Bois rang in the sunset aboard the Frying Pan for its Chardonnay Day bash. Newly married to beau Ben Jorgensen, Bowden was in especially good spirits, sitting with sunglass-clad friends and clinking glasses of cool Chardonnay. Other guests, meanwhile, took in the sounds of Brooklyn's own Swear and Shake band while pairing generous helpings of passed bites (barbecue ribs, sliders, chicken satay skewers) with three different Clos du Bois Chardonnays. And the brand's winemaker, Garry Sitton, was also on hand, should anyone want to talk tasting notes.

photography by Getty Images

Brooklyn-based indie folk band Swear and Shake

Last night, with Penn Badgley hanging out near a wine-spiked Kelvin Slush station and Katrina Bowden trying her hand at corn hole, Clos du Bois rang in the sunset aboard the Frying Pan for its Chardonnay Day bash. Newly married to beau Ben Jorgensen, Bowden was in especially good spirits, sitting with sunglass-clad friends and clinking glasses of cool Chardonnay. Other guests, meanwhile, took in the sounds of Brooklyn's own Swear and Shake band while pairing generous helpings of passed bites (barbecue ribs, sliders, chicken satay skewers) with three different Clos du Bois Chardonnays. And the brand's winemaker, Garry Sitton, was also on hand, should anyone want to talk tasting notes.

Charity Register: May/June 2013

Six opportunities to give back.

April 29, 2013

American Ballet Theatre What:ABT kicks off a spring season that will feature Tchaikovsky’s Onegin, among other performances. Celebrity guest chairs for the opening night gala, which will be sponsored by Christian Dior Couture, include Kim Ca ttrall, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Uma Thurman. A dinner reception under the tent at Lincoln Center will be held.When: Monday, May 13Where: Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center Plaza

Friends of the High Line
What: The annual Highline Spring Benefit will honor John Blondel, Robert Hammond, CSX Transportation, and Ethan Hawke for their support of the Friends of the High Line.When: Tuesday, May 14Where: Hudson River Park’s Pier 57

Central Park ConservancyWhat: Goldman Sachs Gives and Brooks Brothers will sponsor the Playground Party, an event for children under 10 years of age. This popular annual event, cochaired by Adelina Wong Ettelson, Jennifer Evans, Nina Garcia, Sarah Kurita, J ill Ross, and Sharon Teles, is a must event for many well-known New York families.When: Wednesday, May 22Where: Heckscher Playground, Central Park South and Seventh AvenueContact:centralparknyc.org

New York Public Library
What: The Spring Dinner for Education will benefit the library’s many education programs. The event, which includes cocktails and a dinner reception, will be held in the Stephen Schwarzman building on Fifth Avenue. Chairs include Meryl and James Tisch and Elyse and Michael Newhouse.When: Monday, June 3Where: New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street

Brooklyn Botanic GardenWhat: The Spring Gala this year will celebrate the one-acre addition to the Native Flora Garden, a gorgeous expanse filled with plants native to the region. The event will include a tour of the gardens, cocktails, dessert, and dancing.When: Thursday, June 13Where: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn

City HarvestWhat: Summer in the City, the annual cocktail party and tasting event to benefit City Harvest, will feature sample dishes from some of the city’s top chefs, as well as specialty cocktails and wines. A raffle and silent auction will help raise funds to feed millions of hungry New Yorkers.When: Wednesday, June 19Where: The Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street

Gardens of Dreams Talent Show

Children facing obstacles participated in a celebrity-studded talent show.

On Tuesday, April 16, 2013 a packed house watched in awe as the curtains went up at New York City’s iconic Radio City Music Hall. A few famous faces graced the stage, but that wasn’t really the focus at this event. Children—all of them facing issues like serious illnesses, tragic losses, and poverty—were the headlining acts at the Garden of Dreams’ seventh annual Talent Show.

With MSG Network’s Knicks reporter Jill Martin and Fuse News anchor Matte Babel as the evening’s hosts, the free admission public event kicked off with guest announcer/Talent Show creative director Darryl McDaniels. Better known as DMC, the renowned hip-hop artist performed an impromptu part of his popular song “It’s Tricky” before launching into a rhyme about the Garden of Dreams. Celebrities and sports stars from New York teams like the Knicks, the Rangers, the Giants, and the Liberty then wished the young performers good luck on a big-screen before over 20 singing and vocal acts from 14 of the Garden of Dreams’ partner organizations got underway.

The numbers ranged from a heartfelt rap by Kasean Session, to a moving dance performance from Alexis Stewart, to a vocal and dance act by Garden of Dreams group “Uniquely Made” of Children’s Aid Society, who took the stage with two Rockettes. Performances were presented by celebrities like the New York Giants’ Victor Cruz, The Today Show’s Matt Lauer (who had flown back from covering the tragedy in Boston especially for the show), Queens-born rapper Waka Flocka Flame, Sports Illustrated model Genevieve Morton, Victoria’s Secret model Doutzen Kroes, actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., and more.

For some of the evening’s personalities, the show and the Garden of Dreams’ overriding mission to help youths facing obstacles has special meaning. Babel said that he felt a real connection, since he dealt with similar issues growing up. “My parents divorced when I was really young,” said Babel. “And there was a period of time before my mom remarried that I was kind of in a situation; being like, myself, my brother, single mom working two jobs, trying to make ends meet. And my mom is white—I’m biracial—my dad is black. My mom was a little worried that I wasn’t around the black side of my family as much, so she actually signed me up for this thing called Big Brothers. So I ended up getting this ‘big brother’—this young, African-Canadian guy who was really cool. So I kind of can relate to the kids.”

Cruz, who was presenting for the second year, was excited to be back. “I came last year and presented one of the acts, and I just saw the looks on these kids’ faces—how excited they were, how proud they were to be up on the stage, how nervous some of them were,” said Cruz. “So I just felt like it was a great organization to be a part of and it was fun.”

Although the dances were movingly choreographed and the piano pieces beautifully arranged, the most touching part of the evening was watching a group of children who all possess one common “talent”—remaining courageous and positive despite difficult challenges.

BY CAIT ROHAN

New York Rangers Casino Night

The hockey team traded their jerseys for tuxes to support the Garden of Dreams Foundation.

The New York Rangers gathered just steps from Madison Square Garden Friday night (March 1) at Gotham Hall, trading their usual red, white, and blue jerseys for stylish tuxedos and suits. Rangers Casino Night presented by Unilever welcomed over 500 guests to benefit the Garden of Dreams Foundation, MSG’s official charity organization that supports children facing obstacles.

The event stands out from other Blueshirts-backed Garden of Dreams events since the entire current team attends, in addition to a few storied alumni and coaching staff. This year, current Rangers favorites such as goalie Henrik Lundqvist, captain Ryan Callahan, and young star Michael Del Zotto, joined legends Adam Graves and Rod Gilbert. Guests enjoyed Rangers-themed blue margaritas and assorted small plates served buffet-style while participating in casino games like blackjack and roulette alongside Rangers players.

Silent and live auctions took place throughout the evening, with items up for grabs like a dinner package with Mark Messier, game-used and signed hockey sticks from Lundqvist, a team-autographed jersey, and other exciting experiences and memorabilia. Attendees also heard the touching story of the McCabe family, whose son—an avid Rangers fan—is affected by spina bifida and has realized his dream of meeting and interacting with many Rangers greats like Graves through the Garden of Dreams.

Although the event was only a few hours long, the Rangers’ relationship with the Garden of Dreams is far-reaching. Graves, who has been involved with Garden of Dreams since its inception in 2006, feels privileged to create memories that will last a lifetime. “For some of these kids, [we’re] putting them in an environment where some of them would never have had the opportunity to go—down to the Garden to see a game, let alone go down, sit in a box, have popcorn, hats, t-shirts, and music going,” he said. “That, to me, is a capsule, and [we’re] creating capsules that you hold on to for your entire life.”

For Del Zotto, it’s about building a special bond with all the Garden of Dreams kids, particularly Liam Traynor, a youngster who battles cerebral palsy. “He texts me every single game and says, ‘good luck!’ to me,” said Del Zotto. “We talk after every game. He gives me the analysis of my game. We’ve become really close friends.”

And Lundqvist, who is the Garden of Dreams’ spokesperson, is thinking up creative and new ways to support the organization. “I sold a couple of [hockey] masks,” said Lundqvist. “I was at a rock concert with John McEnroe. We started a clothing line that we sell at the Garden where part of the profit goes to Garden of Dreams. Right now, there’s a great project going on where famous photographer [George] Kalinsky, [who] shoots a lot of different sets at the Garden, is taking photos of me and a couple of Knicks guys and the Sopranos.” [Editors note: the artwork is on sale at steinersports.com/GardenOfDreams.html]

Aside from supporting a good cause alongside all their teammates, the Rangers agreed that their favorite parts of the evening were the dress code and interacting with fans. “We had to dress up for this, which is kind of cool, because some guys are wearing different things, ” said Del Zotto. “Boyle [Rangers teammate Brian Boyle] is wearing a black tux with blue shoes.” And, as the fireworks-like flashes of cameras demonstrated, event attendees were big fans of the dapperly dressed Rangers. “The support that the players and the organization get on and off the ice is unparalleled,” said Graves. “An event like this, for me, is really unique because of the access. You can just go and interact—if you want to get a picture taken or if you just want to talk.”

So what does the team hope to do with the Garden of Dreams in the future? The unanimous answer was to positively influence the lives of as many children as possible. “I see the impact we have when we host clinics or go to museums and we see how much fun they have,” said Lundqvist. “It’s like an inspiration for them. They might be going through a tough time and for them to have a great afternoon, it can go a long way.” If the success of Friday night’s event—which raised over $230,000—is any indication, that’s a goal that the Garden of Dreams can achieve with the Rangers.

Charity Register: Spring 2013

Seven opportunities to give back this season.

NYU Langone Medical Center
What: Join the Committee for the Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and the Kids of NYU Langone Foundation Associates for the 12th annual Adults in Toyland Casino Night. Casino games, a DJ, a silent auction, cocktails, and a buffet will attract more than 600 attendees.When: Thursday, February 28Where: The Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth AvenueContact: giving.nyumc.org/ait

National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyWhat: Climb to the Top is a timed contest for participants and teams to race up 66 flights of stairs to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck to help raise funds in the battle against MS. Participants will be able to take in unparalleled Manhattan skyline views, while raising money for a great cause.When: Sunday, March 3Where: Top of the Rock Observation Deck, 30 Rockefeller CenterContact:nationalmssociety.org

Guild HallWhat: John Alexander, Walter Isaacson, Nathan Lane, and Mickey Straus will be honored at the 28th Annual Guild Hall Academy of the Arts Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony and benefit dinner. Guild Hall, a Hamptons-based visual and performing arts center, offers community events and programs to the East End.When: Monday, March 4Where: The Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth AvenueContact: guildhall.org

Endometriosis Foundation of AmericaWhat: Cofounders and hosts Padma Lakshmi and Dr. Tamer Seckin will be present at the fifth annual black tie Blossom Ball to raise awareness and funds for endometriosis research. An online auction will be held in conjunction to this night of food and entertainment.When: Monday, March 11Where: Capitale, 130 BoweryContact:endofound.org

Jeffrey Fashion CaresWhat: To celebrate the 10th anniversary of this event, host and founder Jeffrey Kalinsky hopes to raise $1 million to help support LGBT and HIV nonprofit organizations. Red carpets will be rolled out to kick-off this evening of auctions, premium cocktails, and a fashion show featuring top international models and designers.When: Tuesday, April 2Where: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex, Pier 86, West 46th StreetContact: jeffreyfashioncares.org

New Yorkers for ChildrenWhat: In order to raise funds for foster children in New York City, New Yorkers for Children will be hosting the 10th annual Spring Dinner Dance, New Year’s in April: A Fool’s Fête. This event is always a star-studded gathering filled with dinner, dancing, and a silent auction.When: Tuesday, April 9Where: Mandarin Oriental, 80 Columbus CircleContact: newyorkersforchildren.org

Share Our StrengthWhat: New York City’s finest chefs and mixologists come together to help end childhood hunger in America at Taste of the Nation. This exclusive event highlights New York City’s top food and beverages with the opportunity to meet the elite gastronomists who created them.When: Monday, April 29Where: 82 Mercer, 82 Mercer StreetContact: ce.strength.org

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